The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is investigating a self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, over allegations that he defrauded members of his church of more than N70 million through fake miracles and fraudulent investment schemes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the investigation followed a petition by one of the alleged victims, Okey Uwakwe, who accused the cleric of collecting millions of naira under the guise of performing spiritual works and miracles.
According to the petitioner, the suspect claimed he could convince his brother, who had lived abroad since 1997, to return to Nigeria. He also allegedly promised to help the petitioner’s sister-in-law, who had been childless for over 15 years, conceive.
Mr Uwakwe said he paid N6.2 million for spiritual services and another N3.2 million for prayers aimed at helping his sister-in-law become pregnant.
The petitioner further alleged that the prophet claimed he had won N33 billion in a lotto game and asked church members to contribute money with the promise that they would receive dividends from the winnings.
According to the EFCC, Mr Uwakwe contributed N3.3 million to the scheme and also invested N500,000 in what was presented as a N1 billion rice processing business owned by the suspect.
"He claimed that the total sum sent to the suspect was N13,331,600 without results,” the EFCC said.
The anti-graft agency said more alleged victims came forward during the investigation, accusing the suspect of operating multiple fraudulent schemes within the church.
One victim told investigators: “When I came there, a whole lot of things were going on as investments in the church, which I participated in, ranging from the issue of him winning N33 billion with Baba Ijebu.”
The victim alleged that the prophet claimed he could not access the lottery winnings because spiritual forces were blocking the payment. Church members were then allegedly persuaded to buy a product called "Holy Ghost Thunder” to destroy the supposed spiritual obstacles.
The witness said he purchased 1,000 pieces of the product at N38,000 each.
According to the EFCC, the total amount allegedly collected from church members stands at N70,391,600.
The commission said its investigation revealed that the suspect's method was to persuade followers to buy so-called prosperity items, including "miracle stickers,” “spiritual dragons,” and “Holy Ghost Thunder.”
Another victim was quoted as saying: "He asked me to do what they tagged Holy Ghost Thunder, believing it was going to solve my problems. I bought it and after all the payments, nothing happened and my problems still persisted.”
The EFCC said the suspect will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
